Senior Project Engineer

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) purpose is to have a global impact by fundamentally reimagining the way science and technology translate into end-to-end solutions and delivering these solutions in programmes and platforms that respond to humanity’s most challenging problems.

EIT will ensure scientific discoveries and pioneering science are turned into products for the benefit of society that can have high-impact worldwide and, over time, be commercialised to ensure long-term sustainability.

Led by a world-class faculty of scientists, technologists, policy makers, economists and entrepreneurs, the Ellison Institute of Technology aims to develop and deploy commercially sustainable solutions to solve some of humanity’s most enduring challenges. Our work is guided by four Humane Endeavours: Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology, Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture, Climate Change & Managing Atmospheric CO2 and Artificial Intelligence & Robotics.

Set for completion in 2027, the EIT Campus in Littlemore will include more than 300,000 sq ft of research laboratories, educational and gathering spaces. Fuelled by growing ambition and the strength of Oxford’s science ecosystem, EIT is now expanding its footprint to a 2 million sq ft Campus across the western part of The Oxford Science Park. Designed by Foster + Partners led by Lord Norman Foster, this will become a transformative workplace for up to 7,000 people, with autonomous laboratories, purpose-built laboratories including a plant sciences building and dynamic spaces to spark interdisciplinary collaboration.

EIT is committed to cultivating a community where excellence is achieved through collaboration, trust, innovation and tenacity. We foster an environment where everyone’s experience and expertise are valued. We are curious and resilient in our efforts to drive long-term, sustainable innovation to meet humanity’s most enduring challenges.

EIT is seeking a Senior Project Engineer to join the Engineering and Maintenance Department, and lead the delivery of capital projects, facility enhancements and improvements across the sites ensuring compliance, quality and technical excellence. This role will provide MEP specialist support to strategic projects and oversees a small team, including a Project Engineer and Document Controller, managing CAD outputs and O&M documentation throughout the project lifecycle. This position is primarily office/site-based (Monday–Friday, 08:30–17:30), with occasional flexibility required for evening or weekend work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Management & Delivery, including assigned engineering projects from conception to completion, managing budgets, schedules and quality standards
• Produce and maintain detailed project documentation, records, and reports
• Develop and present capital proposals and long-term engineering strategies as required
• Supervise and coordinate contractors and engineering teams, ensuring optimal use of resources, high-quality work delivery and safe working methods in compliance with site policies and legislation (including cGMP, site standards, EHS)
• Maintain awareness of current legislation, Health and Safety requirements, and technological developments relevant to engineering and manufacturing
• Support the creation of risk assessments and operating procedures to facilitate safe and compliant operations
• Maintain effective communication with internal teams, management, and external stakeholders such as contractors, consultants, regulatory bodies, and local authorities
• Provide regular updates to management and senior leadership on project progress, risks, and capital expenditure
• Foster strong relationships within the Facilities team and across departments to ensure alignment with business priorities
• Identify and evaluate opportunities for technological and process improvements
• Recommend and implement new engineering practices to improve efficiency, reliability, and sustainability
• Stay informed of advancements in digital and building management systems and assess their applicability to site operations
• Be available for out-of-hours work or callouts when required

Essential Skills, Qualifications & Experience:

• Project Management including control of cost, project programme, work quality and contractors
• To control and co-ordinate assigned engineering projects and part projects to include, project management, specification, design, cost and time estimation, planning, procurement, cost control, construction, commissioning, and validation support of plant to comply with cGMP and site Standards and Procedures, as required
• To supervise contractors and co-ordinate and optimise their utilisation in the most effective way, always ensuring quality of delivery
• Keep up to date with Legislation, Health and Safety issues and new technological developments within the post-holders field that impact on EIT specifically and the industry generally and where appropriate to assess and recommend their implementation. To be aware of all engineering fields that impact on the activities of EIT
• Where required work out of hours and attend callouts
• Participate in the identification and evaluation of long-term strategies and produce detailed equipment specifications and capital proposals when required
• Maintain accurate records and compile reports as required
• Write procedures for equipment and systems, support users with creation of risk assessments, to allow operation by others, where required
• Deputise for other members of the Engineering and Maintenance department
• Have a methodical and flexible approach to work, whilst always displaying a high degree of professionalism
• Ensure that safe working methods and practices are adopted by the post-holders and all subordinates or contractors the post-holder is responsible for, always and in accordance with EIT policy for the safety of the post-holders and others within the working environment. To make recommendations for safe working practices
• Be responsible for housekeeping, tidiness, and general cleanliness of all areas in which the post-holder is working
• Assist in the training of other staff as required

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Apprenticeship or equivalent hands-on experience in an engineering discipline.
• Experience with digital engineering tools and modern project delivery systems (e.g., BIM).
• Exposure to validation and commissioning within regulated industries.
• Experience in capital project approval and reporting at senior management level.

We offer the following salary and benefits:

Salary: £60,000-£70,000 per annum (negotiable, depending on experience) + bonus + travel allowance

Enhanced holiday pay

Pension

Life Assurance

Income Protection

Private Medical Insurance

Hospital Cash Plan

Therapy Services

Perk Box

Electric Car Scheme

Why work for EIT:

At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact!

Terms of Appointment:

• You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary.
• You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford.
• During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.
• This position is primarily office/site-based (Monday–Friday, 08:30–17:30), with occasional flexibility required for evening or weekend work.